Journal

INTRODUCING A NEW KIND OF EDIBLE

Sharing a groovy new recipe today that *just happens* to coincide with April 20th. I actually choose not to partake, but am a really big advocate for medicinal herbs, in whatever form they may come. I rely heavily on my growing home apothecary of herbs + plant medicinals, and these days rarely prepare a meal or snack without them. CBD piqued my interest a few months ago, and it's potent medicinal benefits have landed this cannabis-derived supplement a spot in my daily regime. I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary medicinal benefits of cannabis via the use of family members + clients struggling to cope with and cure debilitating diseases (chronic pain, ALS, paralysis, and mental health issues), so was more than open to give CBD a try within my own body.

WHAT IT IS

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis. In belongs to a class of ingredients called cannabinoids, to which THC also belongs. However unlike THC, CBD produces no mind-altering effects and is highly medicinal. It's the major non-psychoactive compound of the plant, and is responsible for the majority of positive health benefits marijuana smokers experience. In it's isolated state, CBD is an incredibly effective (and virtually side effect free) natural treatment for an ever-growing list of mental and physical health concerns.

THE BENEFITS

It sort of feels like the benefits of CBD are never-ending. To date, researchers are found CBD to be an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant ,antiemetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent. It's proven to be a remarkable treatment for those suffering from: chronic pain (whatever the cause), chronic inflammation, mental health imbalances, anxiety + panic disorder, cancer, nausea, epilepsy, migraines, neurological disorders, ALS, diabetes, and heart disease. There's a plethora of medical + scientific research documenting these claims, much of which is linked accordingly in this article.

Personally, I use CBD as an anxiety treatment. If you've been reading the Journal for a bit, you've heard me mention my struggles with anxiety, panic, and general mental health ups-and-downs. Though I am well on the road to recovery and generally feel better-than-ever, I continue to have my great days, my okay days, and my not-so-okay days. Coincidentally, I'm currently experiencing a bout of the latter. Our health ebbs and flows, and for this reason it's very important to me to have an ever-expanding arsenal of tools to naturally help ease discomfort and restore balance. Whether I am feeling stressed + ungrounded at the end of a long day, or dealing with something a bit deeper, CBD has become a go-to for reeling in the wild thoughts + feelings and promoting a greater sense of relaxation + wellness.

HOW TO USE

CBD is most typically found in oil form - though there's some really rad topical products available here that I also love and use. For daily use, I usually opt for a dose of the oil under my tongue, or blend it into a smoothie or tonic. However, it's especially fun to mix the oil in when making sweet treats for an ultra-medicinal take on "edibles".

CHOCOLATE-COVERED CBD ENERGY BITES

Grab-and-go snacking is my jam, and there's nothing better than a fresh batch of energy bites to fuel a busy day. This particular mix tastes like cookie dough, and is completely refined sugar- and gluten-free, as well as vegan and paleo. I spiked the recipe with a few doses of CBD oil for a feel-good boost, but this can be left out if you prefer. A bit of mucuna purienswas added as well because it's a potent mood-booster and bio-avaiable + natural source of neurotransmitter L-dopa. Also *technically* optional is the raw chocolate coating, but it takes like 1 minute to whip up and don't be insane - the chocolate is necessary.

TO MAKE: Combine all ingredients into your food processor or high-speed blender. Blend and combine until mixture forms a "dough". Using your hands, roll segments of the dough into small balls, and place on a flat surface. Allow the energy bites to chill covered in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Optional (but so worth it): whip up a quick batch of raw chocolate sauce and drizzle over to your energy bites. You may need to do a few coats to form a thick chocolate shell. Again, cover and chill for a few hours.

Will last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Recipe makes 10 energy bites.

I love seeing what you create and getting your feedback on recipes! Leave any comments below, and be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag photos you post of my recipes with #SOLFULhealth so I can see!